The V.I. Government Hospital & Health Facilities Corporation has officially appointed Darlene Baptiste as the permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center. Ms. Baptiste will assume her role on February 5, 2025, under a three-year contract approved by the Territorial Board.

Ms. Baptiste was selected by the Territorial Board’s Human Resources Search Committee after an extensive recruitment process facilitated by the Kirby Bates Search Firm, a company specializing in healthcare leadership, according to a release from JFL. The search firm provided a pool of 12 highly qualified candidates, with the top five invited for in-depth interviews held at JFL. Ultimately, Ms. Baptiste’s extensive experience, innovative ideas, and demonstrated passion for leading JFL set her apart, earning her the position, the hospital said.

"The Territorial Board is very pleased to announce Ms. Baptiste’s appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital," said Territorial Board Chairman Christopher E. Finch.

Ms. Baptiste brings a wealth of expertise to the role, having previously served as the VI Commissioner of Health, the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Advisory of Anguilla, and the Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Health Services Authority, among other high-ranking healthcare positions. Chairman Finch emphasized her qualifications, noting the search committee was particularly impressed by her deep knowledge, extensive experience, and commitment to returning home to elevate JFLH’s operations and care delivery.

"The search committee was very impressed with her knowledge and experience, her ideas to help JFL move forward, and the passion she demonstrated to return home and lead the hospital to excellence," Finch remarked.

The Territorial Board also expressed gratitude to Hazel Philbert, who has served as Interim CEO during the search process. In a statement, the Board thanked Ms. Philbert for her leadership and acknowledged the dedication of the JFLH staff, who have worked tirelessly to keep the hospital operational through challenging times.